CRP Test: Get Price, Purpose, Sample Report & Results [2024]
A C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that measures the level of CRP in blood. CRP is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. This test helps identify the inflammation of internal body organs. It aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of a variety of conditions like Lupus (inflammation of the face and skin), arthritis (inflammation in bone joints), and bacterial & viral infections. The CRP levels are also used to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases and monitor treatment response. The test price may range from Rs 250 to Rs 475.
CRP Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | C-Reactive Protein Test, Serum CRP Test, Plasma CRP Test. |
| Purpose | To measure levels of inflammation in the body, which can indicate a variety of conditions, such as infection, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. |
| Preparation | No Special preparation. |
| Fasting | Overnight fasting is preferred. |
| Reporting Time | <24 Hour |
| Cost | Rs 250 to Rs 475 |
Price
The CRP Test Price usually ranges from Rs 250 to Rs 475. The actual price depends on the diagnostic centre and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 506 diagnostic centres across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.
Prices at Popular diagnostic centres
The table below lists the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Redcliffe Labs | Rs 280 |
| Thyrocare | Rs 396 |
| Dr Lal’s Path Labs | Rs 350 – Rs 475 (depending on city) |
| Aarthi Scans | Rs 252 – Rs 315 (depending on city) |
| Pulse Imaging | Rs 350 |
| Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 450 |
Cost in different cities
The test cost depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending on the lab and the city.
| City | Test Price |
|---|---|
| CRP Test Price in Delhi | Rs 280 to Rs 450 |
| CRP Test Price in Mumbai | Rs 280 to Rs 475 |
| CRP Test Price in Bangalore | Rs 280- Rs 900 |
| CRP Test Price in Hyderabad | Rs 152 to Rs 396 |
| CRP Test Price in Gurgaon | Rs 280 to Rs 400 |
| CRP Test Price in Chennai | Rs 280 to Rs 315 |
| CRP Test Price in Kolkata | Rs 252 to Rs 375 |
CRP Test Purpose
Your doctor may recommend the CRP test because of the following reasons:
- Inflammation in the body, which can be caused by
- Infections, both bacterial and viral. (CRP levels were used to monitor COVID patients in recent times)
- Autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, lupus, vasculitis
- Other conditions like tissue injury or necrosis
- Lung Diseases like asthma
- Heart disease risk, as elevated CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
- The effectiveness of treatment for conditions causing inflammation.
- Monitoring for disease recurrence or progression in some chronic conditions.
- Detecting hidden infections in people with no obvious symptoms.
- It assesses response to antibiotic treatment and differentiates between active and inactive disease forms with concurrent infection.
A few medical conditions are for which the CRP test is recommended.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis means the swelling of bone joints with pain and inflammation.
- Checking infection after surgery: Checking for bacterial or viral infections after the successful completion of surgery.
- Bone infection: Osteomyelitis is a bacterial bone infection that can reach other organs or healthy bones.
- Inflammatory bowel disease– These are disorders of the intestines like Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
- Heart disease: The high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is useful in the diagnosis of heart diseases.
- Sepsis treatment: Sepsis is a medical complication in which the body starts expressing inflammation throughout the body. The reason for sepsis is a bacterial infection that triggers inflammation.
Preparation
Before this test, Overnight fasting is preferred. Do inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine, both prescription and non-prescription, ayurvedic, etc. Your doctor may advise you to stop the ones that can affect the test results, like supplements or medicines that you take, including ibuprofen, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). DO NOT stop any medication on your own.
CRP Test Procedure
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. A blood sample is taken from the vein in your arm or hand by the following steps-
- A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
- The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
- Then the site is cleaned with spirit.
- A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
- The blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
- Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
- A small band-aid is then placed, which may be removed after an hour.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
Risks
It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that of any other blood test. These include-
- Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
- Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found
- Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
- Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.
Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.
CRP Test Result and Interpretation
High CRP levels: The higher CRP levels indicate the presence of an infection or inflammation in our body.
Low CRP levels: The Low CRP levels in the blood either signify the absence of an inflammatory condition or that the treatment is running successfully and the result of the treatment is apparent.
CRP Test Normal Range
Normal value ranges below 5mg/dL. The table below shows the CRP range and the associated interpretation-
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 3 to 10 mg/L (0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL) | Normal to moderate level of inflammation (common in obese, diabetic & pregnant women, and also smoking habitual people) |
| 10 to 100 mg/L (1.0 to 10 mg/dL) | Autoimmune disease, heart attack, pancreatitis, bronchitis, pancreatitis, and cancer. |
| More than 100 mg/L (10 mg/dL) | Inflammation in the whole body due to acute viral infections, acute bacterial infections, systemic vasculitis(inflammation of arteries and veins), or trauma, |
| More than 500 mg/L (50 mg/dL) | Severe inflammation in the body due to bacteria-led infections. |
What is a high-sensitivity CRP Test (hs-CRP)?
This test gives an idea about the risk of Cardiovascular disease. It is slightly different from the regular test explained in this blog. This test is highly sensitive and can measure lower (but slightly elevated) levels of C- Reactive Protein. Let us have a glance at the normal value range:
| Result | Conclusion |
|---|---|
| Lower than 1.0 mg/L | Low risk of heart disease. |
| From 1.0 mg/L and 3.0 mg/L | Moderate risk of heart disease. |
| More than 3.0 mg/L | High risk of heart disease. |
Comparison of CRP with ESR
Both C- Reactive Protein and ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate) are markers of inflammation. ESR test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a test tube over a period of time. This rate is influenced by proteins in the blood that are produced during inflammation. The CRP Test is very sensitive and can detect even small changes in inflammation levels. The ESR test is less specific than the CRP test, but can still provide valuable information about inflammation levels.
In general, the CRP test is considered to be more reliable than the ESR test for detecting inflammation. However, both tests may be ordered together to provide a more complete picture of a patient’s inflammatory status.
Sample Report
Limitations
This is a highly nonspecific test. It may determine the presence of inflammation in the body but does not detect its cause or location. Rarely, the test may show a false-positive or false-negative result. Hence, further testing may be required to determine the underlying cause of inflammation. It is best to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding the test.
Conclusion
The CRP test can provide valuable information about a person’s health and helps diagnose and monitor a range of conditions, like infections, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and some chronic conditions. However, CRP levels can be influenced by other factors, such as age, diet, exercise, and medications. Hence, it is important to consider these factors when interpreting results. In conclusion, the CRP test can be a useful tool in healthcare but should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and clinical evaluations to get a complete picture of a person’s health.
FAQs
A: Some Health experts recommend checking the serum CRP level routinely along with the cholesterol level; however, this practice is not relevant.
A; It is a condition of irregular and rapid heartbeat. This may lead to blood clots. It may cause CRP release in the blood.
A: A normal range for CRP test results is generally less than 5 mg/L.
A: The CRP test is done by taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
A: High CRP levels can indicate an infection, inflammation, or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or cancer.
A: No, typically no special preparation is required for the CRP test.
A: There are usually no risks or side effects associated with this test.
How to Book a CRP Test?
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.